What is the first step in adopting a municipal budget?

The first step in adopting a municipal budget is the introduction and approval by a majority vote of the full governing body. This step is crucial because it sets the stage for the entire budget process. By securing an initial vote of approval, the governing body formally acknowledges the proposed budget and allows for further actions, including public hearings and the necessary administrative steps that follow.

Once the budget is introduced and approved by a majority, it signals that the governing body is in agreement with the proposed financial plan, enabling the next steps, such as publishing the budget and holding public hearings, to proceed. Without this crucial first step, the budget cannot be effectively considered, diminished, or revised based on community feedback.

The subsequent steps, such as public hearings and publishing the budget in the official newspaper, are all dependent on this initial approval. Therefore, understanding the order and significance of each step is essential for effective budget management within a municipality.